Never go by what the manf. says. Like Xterras lava pants which they claimed to be ITU legal
I would be nervous about using the suit unless you can get written permission to use them by the RD. I would hate to be disq for something like that. But I somehow doubt that homemade modifications will somehow legalize something.
I can’t imagine that carbon protrusions of ANY kind would be legal.
If it doesn’t function to keep you warmer, makes it more comfortable, flexible, or easier to take on/off, it pretty much should be banned. All the special coatings and textures are already pushing the limits IMO. The technology should be in improving flexibility, durability, comfort, fit, etc, not on fancy coatings. The money would be better spent for example on custom suit mfg. than special materials or simply offering more sizes. But fancy features sell, and USAT is treading a fine line to allow consumerism and the big players to allow technology without it interfereing with the sport.
Bottom line is that I don’t think it makes all that much difference. Fit and flexibility probably matters the most. With the times I post WS and non-WS while rocking a sleeveless 16 year old suit… I can’t imagine I’m going to go that much faster with a 1200 suit. My times don’t reflect that I’m swimming slower than my peers with better suits. My N+1.
I have a brand new one and was hoping to use it for Melbourne this week and noticed it is listed as banned by the organisers.
It specifically states
“Rocket Science carbon wetsuit with carbon drive”
So my question is- has anybody cut the carbon drive fins off and successfully used this suit, has any one done so but subsequently been Disqualified?
The supplier in Melbourne told me to cut the fins off and it will be OK
To give my abilities context, I will be lucky to finish.
**Interestingly, other suits are also listed but the wording appears to give owners of the Carbon suit some leeway **
Cheers
Coxy
My suggestion would be to go and speak with a race official and ask what you can do to make the suit legal. Fortunately for you, This suit is the one of the 3 banned that you can modify without destroying the suit (completely).
I’m not sure how you plan to cut those panels off, but I suggest you be careful doing it. You could weaken the sleeve by cutting the posts that hold the panels on.
Don’t go cutting up your suit until you ask a race official and get their advice.